Recreational Therapist salary in Iowa
What recreational therapists earn in Iowa and its metro areas, compared with the rest of the country.
Median pay$56,140$26.99 per hour
vs U.S.−9%U.S. median $61,960
Middle half earn$50,910 – $64,290Top 10%: $81,970+
Jobs2301.55× the U.S. concentration
Recreational Therapist pay in Iowa cities
Metro areas as BLS defines them. Click a column to sort.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $58,630 | $28.19 | 70 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $62,000 | $29.81 | 50 |
| Iowa City, IA | $60,140 | $28.92 | 40 |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area | $53,830 | $25.88 | 30 |
Hospitals and jobs in Iowa
Recreational Therapist pay in similar states
North Dakota · $58,370 Florida · $57,980 Maine · $57,560 Alabama · $57,360 Utah · $56,640 Illinois · $54,910
Other healthcare salaries in Iowa
Registered Nurses · $78,630 Home Health and Personal Care Aides · $36,080 Nursing Assistants · $39,350 Medical Assistants · $45,480 Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses · $62,630 Pharmacy Technicians · $44,860 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians · $54,260 Nurse Practitioners · $130,160 Pharmacists · $138,860 Dental Assistants · $48,430 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians · $65,930 Physical Therapists · $97,560
Questions
How much does a recreational therapist make in Iowa?
Recreational Therapists in Iowa earned a median of $56,140 a year ($26.99 an hour) in May 2025, 9% less than the national median of $61,960. The middle half earned $50,910 to $64,290.
Where in Iowa do recreational therapists earn the most?
Among areas in Iowa, pay was highest in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA at $62,000.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, all industries. Pay doesn't reflect cost of living, overtime or shift differentials.